Klein Tools 44218 Hawkbill Utility Knife
- Hawkbill blade, 2.5 inches long
- Lockback folding design
- Replaceable blade, cable skinning style
- Stainless steel blade and rubber handle
- 8.2 inches long, 5.8 ounces
- Orange and black
Last refreshed Aug 4, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A folding lockback knife with a hawkbill blade shaped for skinning cable jackets. It is a specialty knife for electricians and not a general-purpose box cutter.
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ASIN: B071YR1Q2LModel: 44218Category: Utility & Work Knives
Overview
Klein Tools builds this folding knife around a curved hawkbill blade that peels back cable sheathing. A lockback holds the blade open during cuts, the handle is rubber, and the blade can be swapped when it dulls.
A hooked blade and a lock are the reason to pick it for stripping cable jackets, where a straight blade can nick the conductors. The limitation is scope, since the hook shape does not suit general cutting as well as a straight edge.
Who it's for
Electricians and installers who skin cable sheathing get a lockable folding blade with a grippy handle. Home users who open boxes and trim material will do better with a standard utility knife.
Pros and cons
- Hawkbill shape for cable skinning
- Lockback holds the blade open
- Rubber handle for grip
- Hook shape is specialized
- Replacement procedure not described
- Warranty terms are in a separate document
- Folded size not listed
Performance notes
The hooked edge pulls toward the user and slits the outer jacket without cutting deeper, which protects the conductors inside. A lockback holds the blade from closing on the fingers under pressure. Blade life depends on the material cut, and the replaceable blade extends the life of the knife body.
Specifications
| Brand | KLEIN TOOLS |
|---|---|
| Model | 44218 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Blade Length | 2.5 Incheslower than 70% of 61 utility & work knives |
| Item Length | 8.2 Incheshigher than 74% of 105 utility & work knives |
| Item weight | 5.8 Ounces |
| Construction & materials | |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material | Rubber |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Orange/Black |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Utility Knife |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty & support | |
| Manufacturer Warranty Description | See attached warranty document |
| Other details | |
| Product Style | Cable Skinning Utility Knife |
| Handle Type | Manual-Retractable |
Closest rivals on specs
Milwaukee 48-22-1901 Knife- Blade Length 2.5 vs 2 inches (+25%)
Frequently asked questions
How do I replace the blade on the Klein Tools 44218?
The title says the knife has a replaceable blade, and the listing does not describe the procedure.
Is the Klein Tools 44218 a fixed blade knife?
No. It is a folding knife with a lockback.
What is the Klein Tools 44218 hawkbill blade for?
The title calls it a utility knife for cable skinning.